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35+ Columbus Date Night Ideas That Will Cost You $25 Or Less

Low account balances having an effect on your dating life? It’s okay, we’ve all been there.

Life is expensive, but dating in Columbus doesn’t have to be. The capital city has an abundance of free/cheap options. Some of them are fairly obvious, but others may have been flying under your radar.

It should be noted that one great way to maximize your free date life is to take advantage of the Columbus Culture Pass. Through the Columbus Library, cardholders can get access to all sorts of free tickets at different cultural establishments around the city, including the Columbus Zoo, Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus Museum of Art, and more.

So don’t break open that piggy bank just yet. Here are 35+ Columbus date ideas that will cost you $25 or less.

Get Dessert at Pistacia Vera

via Facebook

Desserts at Pistacia Vera range from $1-$6. Their macarons are just $2.50 a piece and come in a variety of flavors. They’re a delicious way to end any date.

Treat your date (and yourself) to happy hour at Woodlands Backyard in Grandview.

Monday through Friday, you can get $3.25 drafts during Happy Hour. Don’t spend all of your cash on booze though, you can play mini-bowling at Woodlands Backyard for just $4 per game!

Pizza by the Slice at Mikey’s Late Night Slice

If you find someone who loves pizza as much as you do, you should hold them close. You should also treat them to some Mikey’s Late Night Slice. Slices are less than $6/piece. If you’re looking to splurge, you could go for the Cheezus Crust, two slices of pizza placed on top of one another like a sandwich, with American cheese melted to the outside. It’s a holy experience.

Go old school with hot dogs at Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace

via Facebook

Looking for an all-American night out? Dirty Frank’s is for you. Hot dogs, tater tots, mac & cheese, and soft pretzels are all waiting for you with price tags that will make you swoon. Dirty Franks offers a Weiner Box that comes with two hot dogs and your choice of fries or tots.

Cozy up over a cup of coffee at Fox in the Snow

You can snag some quality coffee drinks from Fox in the Snow for under $5 per person. With that leftover cash, you can snack on a delicious pastry!

Share a romantic breakfast date at German Village Coffee Shop

Your buck goes a long way at German Village Coffee Shop. This is my favorite breakfast hang in the city and it will become yours too once you see the cheap prices, the delicious bacon, and get served by the marvelous staff.

See a movie at Drexel Theatre

Did you know that Drexel Theatre in Bexley offers discounted prices if you go for a matinee show? With $10 tickets, you’ll come in just under budget.

Take a stroll through the Book Loft.

If you’re into literature, you need to head to The Book Loft in German Village. It’s 32 rooms of books, stacked to the ceiling and in every nook & cranny. It doesn’t cost anything to look around, but we’re sure you could find something dope for less than $25. Pro tip: Don’t separate from your date unless you want to spend 45 minutes trying to find one another.

Get artsy on Sundays at the Columbus Museum of Art.

via Columbus Museum of Art Facebook

Want to really impress your date? Take them to the Columbus Museum of Art. I know what you’re thinking. “How does this lady think I can afford a trip to a fancy museum on a ramen budget?” Don’t worry! CMA is completely free on Sundays. You can enjoy all the art your little heart can take, all while seeming like you’re A+ at adulting.

Snuggle up at an outdoor movie.

via Facebook

From May through September, there are dozens and dozens of outdoor movies showing all around Columbus. The movies range from animated films to blockbuster hits. Easton has a summer movie series that’s free for all.

Enjoy a classic under the stars at Shakespeare In The Park.

If it’s summertime, then you can head to Schiller Park for Shakespeare in the Park. If it’s the offseason, you can catch The Actor’s Theatre at their monthly Shakespeare Underground pop-ups.

Love doing the Time Warp? Take your date to see Rocky Horror Picture Show.

The first Saturday of every month is a special night at Studio 35. Get dressed up and get ready for some audience participation. Never seen Rocky Horror Picture Show? Here are some tips for RHPS virgins.

Channel your inner Danny Zuko and head to the Drive-In Movie Theater.

via South Drive-In Facebook

There’s nothing better than hooking a speaker that’s older than you are onto your car window, slipping your arm around your sweetheart, and watching a movie at South Drive-In. Tickets are just $8.50 Sunday through Thursday and $10.50 on Friday and Saturday.

Stroll through stunning art galleries and quirky shops at Gallery Hop.

The first Saturday of every month makes for a great cheap date. Short North’s Gallery Hop is a great way to spend an evening. Grab a drink and then start strolling. There are shops, bars, restaurants, art galleries, and more that all welcome the influx of foot traffic during Gallery Hop.

Show off your appreciation for the arts at Franklinton Fridays.

Every second Friday of the month, Franklinton invites you and your date to check out the best art, food, entertainment, and more that their community has to offer. Galleries and other businesses in Franklinton host this art crawl, and it’s free and open to the public.

Go for a romantic hike at Scioto Audubon Metro Park.

Scioto Audubon Metro Park is one of my favorite parks in the city. There are wooded trails, a gorgeous little boardwalk over some wetlands, and amazing views of the city. Want to bring your pup along? No problem! There is even a great dog park. The best part is it’s all free.

Have a picnic at a park.

If sitting down at the park is more your speed, pack a basket, throw in some pb&j sandwiches, and grab a blanket. Columbus and the surrounding suburbs have beautiful parks. Some, like the Topiary Garden, Schiller Park, Frank Fetch Park, and the Columbus Commons are nestled throughout downtown. Others like Inniswood Metro Garden, Battelle Darby, and Antrim Park are a little bit of a drive. All of them are worth the time and make the perfect setting for a picnic date.

Hop on the COTA Bus and head to the Zoo.

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The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is great for an all-day date. If you take the COTA bus, not only will you save on gas, you’ll also save on admission. The bus fare is $2 each way and you will receive admission to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium for just $3. The zoo deal is only available from May-September.

Stay together after the sun goes down while backpacking at Scioto Grove Metro Park.

If you and your boo are outdoorsy types, you can take a quick backpacking trip through Scioto Grove Metro Park. Scioto Grove offers plenty of backpacking trails. You can even camp overnight. To make a reservation at a backpacking site, please call 614-949-1078.

Go for a swim at Alum Creek State Park.

via Alum Creek State Park Facebook

Obviously, this only applies in warmer weather, but a dip at Alum Creek State Park could be the perfect date. The beach at the park has volleyball nets, grills, and beach vendors! The beach is open during daylight hours only. Be sure to check water quality alerts before you start splashing.

Explore Hayden Falls in Dublin.

Nothing quite says “romance” like a roaring waterfall. Which is why you should hike back to Hayden Falls in Dublin for a date that will leave you both feeling lovey-dovey. Want to explore some waterfalls a little further away? Good because Ohio some beautiful ones out there just waiting for you.

Spend the day at Olentangy Caverns.

This one may be at the top of the $25 budget, but it’s so beautiful. Olentangy Caverns is a completely unique outdoor experience in Columbus. For $10.95 per person, you can take a self-guided tour through beautiful underground caves that were formed millions of years ago. If you have a little extra pocket change, consider doing the animal encounter for $3 where you can pet deer, goats, and Zubu cows!

Tour some of Columbus’ ancient earthworks.

An aerial shot of Shrum Mound, via Wikimedia Commons.

Did you know that Ohio was home to several ancient cultures? Right here in Columbus, you can visit Shrum Mound for free. While an ancient burial mound might not scream “perfect date”, it’s a great place to experience the history of Ohio and learn about those who lived here before us.

Visit the Bison at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.

If your date is an animal lover, then this is sure to impress. The herd of Bison that live at Darby Park are stunning. There are also beautiful trails and quiet wooded areas all throughout the park. Pair with a picnic and you’ve got one heck of a free date.

Take a mini-road trip to the John Glenn Astronomy Park.

Nothing says romance quite like a night gazing up at the stars. There’s literally nowhere better to do that than the John Glenn Astronomy Park. It’s open every day of the year and is free to visit!

Pick something sweet together at Lynd Fruit Farm.

via Lynd Fruit Farm Facebook

Depending on the time of year, you can pick apples, peaches, strawberries, pumpkins, and more at Lynd Fruit Farm. Lynd offers U-pick events throughout the year, and you can see their calendar here.

Spend an evening under the stars at the Arne Slettebak Planetarium.

Is Inclimate weather keeping you from enjoying outer space while outdoors? The Ohio State University has a wonderful planetarium that hosts events that are free and open to the public. Although in-person events are still on pause, that will be changing soon. You can click here for any updates.

Cheer on the home team at a Clippers Game.

via Columbus Clippers Facebook

Spend 9 wonderful innings with your date at Huntington Park. For around $7, you can root for the Clippers from the bleacher seats! Huntington Park has tons of specials, like College ID night, where admission is reduced, and Dime A Dog night where hot dogs are just $.10!

Show off your skills at one of Columbus’ many bowling alleys.

Is your date an expert bowler? Or maybe they just like to have a good time? Columbus has a ton of affordable bowling alleys. One of the best deals in the city is at Sequoia Pro Bowl. Games are $7 and shoe rental is $4!

Hit the roller rink.

Skate America in Grove City has tons of deals throughout the week, including Late Skate and School’s Out specials. United Skates of America will also offers discount days including Family Nights with $2 admission and $3.50 skate rentals!

Mini-golf at Glow Putt

via Glow Putt Facebook

For $9 per person, you and your date can spend the evening in competitive mode at Glow Putt in Gahanna. This indoor putt-putt course is perfect for rainy weather. Nothing says “awesome date night” quite like a black light, safari-themed mini-golf course!

Drink, play, and be merry at Pins Mechanical Company.

Located in the heart of Downtown, Pins offers duckpin bowling, foosball, pinball, ping pong, and shuffleboards. Order a drink and enjoy some cheap fun! Prices for games range between free and $6. Be sure to check the Pins schedule, as sometimes bowling lanes are reserved for private parties.

Show off your pinball wizard skills at 16-Bit

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If you have any money left over from your Dirty Frank’s date, you should definitely head next door to 16-Bit Bar+Arcade. As long as you’re drinking, you can play almost all of the arcade games for free.

Spend an afternoon on the ice.

Noon Skate at OhioHealth Chiller Easton offers $4 skate rental and $8 admission. If you’re looking for a Friday night date, Chiller also hosts Friday Night Melt Down, where you can ice skate under the disco lights from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. It’s slightly over budget at $15 per person, but it does include your ice skate rental.

Take a day trip and explore

There are so many interesting things to see around Columbus. From weird roadside attractions to cool public art installations. Throw that $25 in your gas tank and see where the road takes you!

Walk dogs at Franklin County Dog Shelter.

Want to have fun and feel great about yourselves while you’re out for date night? Volunteer to walk pups at the Franklin County Dog Shelter! You’ll have to do volunteer training first, so this isn’t a date you can choose on a whim, but you will be rewarded for your work with puppy kisses!

Start your Saturday date day off right at a local Farmer’s Market

via Easton Town Center Facebook

Planning on cooking a romantic dinner? Or perhaps you’re just in the market for some handcrafted, local wares. Either way, spending your Saturday morning at a farmer’s market can make for a pretty romantic date. Not sure if your neighborhood has a farmer’s market? Here is a list of some of the best ones around the city.

Grab your boo and pop some tags.

You never know what treasures might await you during a day of thrifting in Columbus. From kitchenware to sweet threads to old books and movies you didn’t even realize you missed, there are hours of fun just waiting to be had at the thrift store.

Get romantic and cook dinner for your date.

If you didn’t get all the ingredients you need at the farmer’s market, you can hit up one of Columbus’ best local grocery stores. $25 can go a long way if you know what to look for!

Open Barn Day at Sunrise Sanctuary

via Sunrise Sanctuary Facebook

One day each month (until November), Sunrise Sanctuary offers Open Barn Day. At 3 p.m., you and your date can head to the farm to get up close and personal with some of the cutest animals around. But don’t dress too fancy! Sunrise Sanctuary asks that guests wear close-toed shoes and clothes they don’t mind getting dirty. Admission is free, but the sanctuary requests that you register and print off a ticket here before arriving.

Grill And Chill At A Metro Park.

If you prefer picnic tables to actual picnics, find your local park, grab some meat & veggies, and start grilling. One of my favorite parks to cook out at is Blendon Woods Metro Park. There are grills, picnic tables, beautiful trails, and even a frisbee golf course!

What are you waiting for? Get out there, spend very little money, and have a freaking awesome date!

Photo by taylor hernandez on Unsplash